Published: Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 07:45 PM.

Instead of shying away from her horrific childhood, 16-year-old Katelyn Pendleton has used it to motivate others in the fight against child abuse.

“I want to help other children that have been in my situation,” said the Choctawhatchee High School student.

From December 2007 to April 2008, Katelyn was beaten with coat hangers, starved, dehydrated, and burned with boiling water and chemicals by her guardian and a caregiver. Both women are still in jail.

In the aftermath, Pendleton started the long process of healing physically and emotionally with her adoptive family.

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center helped her greatly, and Katelyn wanted to return the favor.

She began volunteering at the center, where she was asked to tell her story at one of their events. She had nothing prepared but was surprised at how easily it came to her.

“It was just really from the heart,” Katelyn said.

The previously nervous public speaker soon became the guest speaker at a number of events, speaking to children, parents, law enforcement and judges.

Children are her favorite. She loves encouraging them to speak up for themselves or others and to never be afraid.

Recently, Katelyn was asked to speak at the 2013 Florida Crimes Against Kids Conference in Orlando. She’s happy anytime her story has influenced others to speak up for a child.

“I saved one more life,” Katelyn said. “They can have a childhood and just live.”

Also nominated:

Students in Silver Sands School teacher Cathie Williams’ class raised $600 this winter by recycling greeting cards and selling them as gift tags, Valentines and notepads. They donated the money to local charities.

Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado can be reached at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.

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Instead of shying away from her horrific childhood, 16-year-old Katelyn Pendleton has used it to motivate others in the fight against child abuse.

“I want to help other children that have been in my situation,” said the Choctawhatchee High School student.

From December 2007 to April 2008, Katelyn was beaten with coat hangers, starved, dehydrated, and burned with boiling water and chemicals by her guardian and a caregiver. Both women are still in jail.

In the aftermath, Pendleton started the long process of healing physically and emotionally with her adoptive family.

The Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center helped her greatly, and Katelyn wanted to return the favor.

She began volunteering at the center, where she was asked to tell her story at one of their events. She had nothing prepared but was surprised at how easily it came to her.

“It was just really from the heart,” Katelyn said.

The previously nervous public speaker soon became the guest speaker at a number of events, speaking to children, parents, law enforcement and judges.

Children are her favorite. She loves encouraging them to speak up for themselves or others and to never be afraid.

Recently, Katelyn was asked to speak at the 2013 Florida Crimes Against Kids Conference in Orlando. She’s happy anytime her story has influenced others to speak up for a child.

“I saved one more life,” Katelyn said. “They can have a childhood and just live.”

Also nominated:

Students in Silver Sands School teacher Cathie Williams’ class raised $600 this winter by recycling greeting cards and selling them as gift tags, Valentines and notepads. They donated the money to local charities.

Daily News Staff Writer Lauren Delgado can be reached at 850-315-4445 or ldelgado@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDnwfdn.